Report Says Ford Fiesta ST in the Works for 2012

[OmarKareem]

Hot hatches are a big thing in Europe, but our aversion to them in the United States hasn’t made them as much of a phenomenon here. Ford’s vehicles in North America are being converged with its European lineup though, which is making for some interesting possibilities

The Fiesta is gaining traction here on our shores, and the car posted a record sales month in March, coming just under the 10,000 unit mark

A way to enhance its appeal in the youth market is with with performance models. A similar plan is being followed with the 2012 Focus. The Fiesta could gain a large following for offering affordable, go-kart like fun with good gas mileage to boot

Autocar is reporting that a Fiesta ST is in the works for 2012, and new spyshots have come out that seem to confirm that report. The spyshots show a lower, sportier looking Fiesta with a front intercooler and larger wheels. The Fiesta has been without a true performance model for a while, but with Ford’s World Rally Car program shifting from Focus to Fiesta, it could come at a perfect time

In Europe, the new model would go head-to-head with models like the Renaultsport Clio 200 and Seat Ibiza Cupra. The new car reportedly will use a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder making 180 horsepower and mated to a six-speed manual transmission

The car is said to get a launch late next year to coincide with a mid-cycle enhancement (MCE) for the entire Fiesta lineup. There is no confirmation of U.S sale, but with the Focus ST already approved and Fiesta sales on the upswing, we could definitely see it happening